Fabric

A textile is a flexible material comprised of a network of natural or artificial fibres often referred to as thread or yarn. Textiles are formed by weaving, knitting, crocheting, knotting, or pressing fibres together. more...

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Terminology

The words fabric and cloth are commonly used in textile assembly trades (such as tailoring and dressmaking) as synonyms for textile. However, there are subtle differences in these terms. Textile refers to any material made of interlacing fibres. Fabric refers to any material made through weaving, knitting, crocheting, or pressing. Cloth refers to a finished piece of fabric that can be used for a purpose such as covering a bed or table.

History

The production of textiles is an ancient craft, whose speed and scale of production has been altered almost beyond recognition by industrialization and the introduction of modern manufacturing techniques. However, there is little difference between ancient and modern plain weave, twill or satin.

Many textiles have been in use for millennia, while others are recent inventions. The range of materials has increased in the last century with the introduction of artificial fibers in the 1920s and 1930s.

Uses

Textiles have an assortment of uses, the most common of which are for clothing and containers such as bags and baskets. In the household, it is used in carpeting, upholstered furnishings, towels, covering for tables, beds, and other flat surfaces, and in art. In the workplace, it is used in industrial and scientific processes such as filtering. Miscellaneous uses include flags, tents, nets, cleaning devices, and transportation devices such as balloons, kites, sails, and parachutes.

Textiles used for industrial purposes, and chosen for characteristics other than their appearance, are commonly referred to as technical textiles.

Sources and types

Textiles can be made from many materials. These materials come from four main sources: animal, plant, mineral, and synthetic. In the past, all textiles were made from natural fibres, including plant, animal, and mineral sources. In the 20th century, these were supplemented by artificial fibres made from petroleum.

Textiles are made in various strengths and degrees of durability, from the finest gossamer to the sturdiest canvas. The relative thickness of fibres in cloth is measured in deniers. Microfiber refers to fibers made of strands thinner than one denier.

Animal textiles

Animal textiles are commonly made from hair or fur.

Read more at Wikipedia.org